Portable Baseball Backstop

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a portable baseball backstop mounted on a vehicle trailer and includes a 3 section fencing unit, with optional fourth section placed above the center portion of the 3 section unit. The backstop is permanently attached or mounted to the trailer and easily placed at the desired location for set up and use by players. The backstop is lifted with the help of a winch/pulley system out of the trailer and set up on the ground with the trailer serving as support system for the backstop. Each of the sections of the 3 section unit are secured in the ground for safe use of the backstop and to eliminate any falling of the backstop during play. The backstop is also secured sufficiently to withstand baseball speeds of about 90+ miles per hour. 
     In particular disclosed herein is a first and second planar fence sections. The first planar fence section is attached to a movable shaft. The movable shaft is pivotally connected to a first end of a trailer. The second planar fence section is attached to the first planar fence section, and the second planar fence section is movable with respect to the first planar fence section. A winch is fixed on a second end of the trailer for lifting the movable shaft from a first position to a second position. A pulley system is attached at the first end of the trailer. A cable wound over the winch is secured to the shaft through the pulley system. The portable baseball backstop assembly is easily transported with the trailer, and assembled for use at a variety of locations. The trailer serves to both secure the backstop and transport it to desired locations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This is a non-provisional patent application based on co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/211,502 (Attorney Docket No. MEBB-15-1) previously titled “Portable Baseball Backstop”, filed on Aug. 28, 2015, the priority of which is hereby claimed and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable fencing for providing safety to spectators while a team is practicing baseball. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable backstop which is mounted on a trailer for easy deployment at a desired location.

Description of the Related Art

Baseball is a very popular game in North America and parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and East Asia. The game requires practice by the individual player and the team to build and maintain skills. For team practice, a backstop is needed. Many of the current backstops in public places which are usable by little league teams, or high school or college teams are in disrepair, with holes in the netting or fencing, and often rusted. There are also a limited number of the backstops available for the many teams who need them. The backstop is needed to protect spectators from wild pitches or foul balls, as well as establish the boundaries for playing the sport. The backstop is a high fence that is provided behind the player hitting the ball that prevents the ball from leaving the playing area when not hit or caught. In enclosed baseball fields, the backstop is often composed of lower netting, which is like any other part of the wall, and an upper netting to protect spectators seated behind it. These backstops are fixed to the ground and cover a sufficient area to protect spectators from the wild pitches or foul balls.

In order to play baseball in recreational grounds where there is no backstop, a team often makes their own backstop, or takes a portable unit to be set up at desired locations. Teams need the backstop to allow for situational practice prior to an actual game. Conventionally, various types of portable backstops are known in the art which are light weight and are easily transportable. However, the current portable backstops fail to cover desired area for protection of spectators from wild pitches or foul balls, or have the desired safety features for young players. Moreover, the current portable backstops fail to achieve safety conditions such as preventing injuries from wild pitches or foul balls and also maintaining stability of the backstop. Portable backstops with wheels exist, but have the problem of needing to be guided manually to be placed at the desired locations for practice of the game as a team. The set-up of these types of backstops on wheels can be difficult based on weight of the backstop and the ground conditions for sliding over the dirt or grass. Further, the manual deployment of the portable backstops from trailers (i.e., placement in a truck or trailer and its subsequent removal for use) can be cumbersome, needing man power and is a time consuming process. U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,304 discloses a portable batting practice cage to allow a player to practice hitting balls. The batting cage is relatively small, surrounded by fencing and often can be transported on a truck or trailer to any desired location. Another portable batting area is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,766 which discusses a collapsible pitching system set up on a truck or trailer. According to the disclosure, the pitching system can be set up and dismantled easily on the ground with the help of supporting poles. The batting area is covered by netting which attaches to the supporting poles. However, such practice areas do not provide a solution for a team to practice baseball (“situational practice”). The areas of coverage for the batting cage and collapsible pitching system are for one player. Hence, there is a need for a backstop which offers wide coverage area to accommodate a team and allow for situational practice, as well as be easily transportable and erected at desired locations. The backstop must also be safe for all to use.

As a partial solution to the transportation issue, U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,945 discloses a roll out tilt deck for a truck using a pulley and winch assembly for erecting the deck. The pulley assembly is placed on one side of the trailer. The deck is able to move angularly with respect to the trailer. However, the mechanism fails to achieve a perpendicular position of the deck with respect to the ground. In order to raise and assemble a backstop successfully on the ground, the perpendicular position is required. U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,690 discloses a portable basketball goal assembly. The goal assembly includes a supporting member that is pivotally attached to a base of a trailer, and the trailer is secured to a truck. The supporting member of the goal assembly has to be moved manually since the supporting member is not backed by any retraction mechanism.

In light of the foregoing, there exists a need for a portable baseball backstop unit that is easy to transport, assemble, and allow for team use, as well as the safety of players and spectators.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable backstop fence unit which will allow for a baseball team to practice baseball, and be easy to transport and assemble at a variety of locations, with the required strength to withstand the forces of a ball hitting against it. Disclosed herein is a portable backstop fence unit on a trailer, comprising a movable shaft and a planar fence unit that is attached to the movable shaft. The movable shaft is pivotally connected to a first end of the trailer. The planar fence unit includes first and second planar fence sections. The first planar fence section is attached to the movable shaft and the second planar fence section is attached to the first planar fence section. The planar fence unit is rotatable along the movable shaft. A winch is fixed on the floor of the trailer, preferably at a second end of the trailer, or outside the area of storage for the fence unit. The winch, along with a cable and a pulley system, lifts the shaft from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the fence rests on supporting rods on the trailer. In the second position, the fence stands vertically on the ground. The pulley system is attached to the first end of the trailer. The cable wounds over the winch and is secured to the shaft through the pulley system. When the winch operates, the movable shaft is lifted upwards such that the first planar fence section moves from the first position to the second position with respect to the trailer.

The portable backstop fence unit covers a large area and can be easily transported and assembled at a desired location. The inventive backstop, together with the trailer reduces the time required for assembly of the backstop compared to conventional portable backstop systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a portable backstop fence unit with a movable shaft in a first position;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the portable backstop fence unit with the movable shaft in the first position;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the portable backstop fence unit with the movable shaft in a second position;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the portable backstop fence unit with the movable shaft in the second position;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the portable backstop fence unit assembled on the ground;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the portable backstop fence unit with a winch system;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a truck pulling the portable backstop fence unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of the spring useful in this invention; and,

FIG. 9 shows the spring together with the trailer and backstop fence unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of system components which constitutes a portable backstop fence unit for baseball along with a trailer. Accordingly, the components and the method steps have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

A portable backstop fence unit 100 along with a trailer 102 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (side and perspective views respectively). The portable backstop fence unit 100 includes a planar fence unit 104, a movable shaft 106, a winch 108, a cable 110, a pulley system 112, and first and second supporting rods 114 a and 114 b. The portable backstop fence unit 100 sets the stage for players during play and protects spectators from wild pitches or foul balls during baseball match.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the movable shaft 106 is pivotally attached to floor of the trailer 102 at a first end of the trailer 102. In an embodiment, the first end of the trailer 102 is present at center of front side of the trailer 102. The movable shaft 106 (wherein the words “movable shaft” and “shaft” are used interchangeably) is placed substantially horizontal to the trailer 102 in a first position and is placed substantially vertical to the trailer 102 in a second position. The shaft 106 is movable between the first and second positions. The shaft 106 may be of any suitable length and width according to requirement of the portable backstop fence unit 100. In an embodiment, the shaft 106 is at least one of circular, rectangular or triangular cross section. Further, the shaft 106 may be made at least one of iron, aluminum, steel, wood, and any other suitable material.

The shaft 106 is attached to the planar fence unit 104 (interchangeably referred to as “fence” or “fence unit”). The planar fence unit 104 moves along with the shaft 106 from the first position to the second position. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fence unit 104 includes a first, second, third, and fourth fence sections 116 a, 116 b, 116 c and 116 d, respectively. The first planar fence section 116 a is attached to the movable shaft 106. In an embodiment, the attachment of the first fence section 116 a and the shaft 106 is achieved by using any suitable technique, such as a hinged or a welded joint. The first fence section 116 a rests on a bar on the first end of the trailer 102. The first fence section 116 a is attached to the bar through hinges as shown in FIG. 4. The second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c are movably attached on each side of the first fence section 116 a. The fourth fence section 116 d is fixedly attached to a top side of the first planar section 116 a. The fourth fence section 116 d is positioned at an acute angle to the first fence section 116 a, thereby protecting the spectators from wild pitches and foul balls. The second and third fence sections can be rotatably moved with respect to the first fence section 116 a. The second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c along with the first planar fence section 116 a allow the portable backstop 100 to cover a wide practice area. The outer portion or frame, of the first, second, third and fourth planar fence sections 116 a, 116 b, 116 c and 116 d may be of metal bars or rods. However, any suitable shape and material may be used such as wood timbers or lumber. The inner portion (or fence section) of the first, second, third and fourth planar fence sections 116 a, 116 b, 116 c and 116 d may be of netting or chain link fencing which can withstand balls thrown at speed of 75+ mph. In an embodiment, the netting is made of metal or plastic such as High Density Polypropylene (HDPP). In another embodiment, the netting is made of a twisted HDPP twine of 2 millimeter thickness. The break strength of the netting made of HDPP is approximately 350 lbs.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the winch 108 is placed on the second end of the trailer 102. In an embodiment, the second end is at about the center of the front end of the trailer 102. In an embodiment, the winch 108 is manually controlled and is operated by an operator for pulling the cable 110. In another embodiment, the winch 108 is automated and is operated by any preferred electrical motor device. A control panel can be provided to the operator for controlling the winch 108. While a winch is described herein, any suitable means for lifting the fence unit can be used.

The cable 110 has a first and second ends and is wound around the winch 108. The first end of the cable 110 is attached to the winch 108. The cable 110 may be of any preferred diameter and length provided it can lift the fence unit from a horizontal to a vertical position (or about 90 degrees relative to the ground). The cable 110 may be made of polyester, or any other suitable material, such as a metal. The pulley system 112 is located at the first end of the trailer 102. The pulley system 112 includes a pulley of any preferred diameter of axle. The pulley system 112 supports movement and change of direction of the cable 110. The second end of the cable 110 is attached to the movable shaft 106 through the pulley system 112. The pulley system 112 and the winch 108 need to be at same elevation for effective operation of the portable backstop fence unit 100. The pulley system 112 is positioned at an elevation at the first end of the trailer 102. The winch 108 is elevated to same height as the pulley system 112 with the help of a supporting bar positioned at the second end of the trailer 102. The winch 108 is attached to the supporting bar by either screw fitting or welding or other suitable means. The movement of the shaft 106 is controlled by the rotation of the winch 108. The pulley system 112 includes one pulley for ease of describing various embodiments of the invention. However, the pulley system 112 may include a plurality of pulleys as required for supporting the angular movement of the movable shaft 106.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the planar fence unit 104 along with the trailer 102. The first planar fence section 116 a is attached with the movable shaft 106. The planar fence unit 104 is in a closed state when the movable shaft 106 along with the planar fence unit 104 is in the first position. The closed state of the planar fence unit is the state when the second and third planar fence sections 116 a and 116 c (i.e., the wings of the central fence section) are folded on to the first planar fence section 116. The planar section unit 104 rests on at least one of the first and second supporting rods 114 a and 114 b when the movable shaft 106 is in the first position. The first and second supporting rods 114 a and 114 b are positioned on opposite sides of trailer 102 and in between the first and second ends of the trailer 102. The positioning of the first and second supporting rods 114 a and 114 b varies based on the requirements of the user, as well as the height and weight of the fence unit.

The cable 110 wound around the winch 108 is attached to the shaft 106 through the pulley system 112. The shaft 106 rotatably moves upward when the cable 110 through the pulley system 112 is pulled by the winch 108. The fence unit 104 moves along the shaft 106 from the first position to the second position. When the movable shaft 106 along with the planar fence unit 104 reaches the second position, the fence unit 104 touches the ground and the winch 108 stops pulling the cable 110. The second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c are moved outward (i.e., the wings are in outward position relative to the central fence section) with respect to the first planar fence section 116 a. A first locking support bar 118 is attached to an end of the second planar fence section 116 b. The locking support bar 118 helps in locking the second planar fence section 116 b to the ground, thereby achieving stability to the fence unit 104. In an embodiment, the third planar fence section 116 c also has a second locking support bar (not shown). The first locking support bar 118 and the second locking support bar help the portable backstop fence unit 100 to secure the second planar fence section 116 b and the third planar fence section 116 c, respectively to the ground. The first locking support bar 118 and the second locking support bar provide added stability and security by serving as a stake-style pinning. In an example, the first locking support bar 118 and the second locking support bar can be inserted to the ground with help of a standard hammer. The first locking support bar 118 and the second locking support bar may be of any shape that can be inserted to the ground without deviating from the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit 104 when not in use is in the closed state. The planar section unit 104 in the closed state along with the movable shaft 106 is moved from the second position to the first position. The movable shaft 106 is rotated back towards the first position by the winch 108 and the pulley system 112. The backward movement of the planar fence unit 104 is halted by at least one of the first and second supporting rods 114 a and 114 b; hence, the planar fence unit 104 achieves the first position.

The portable backstop fence unit 100 disclosed in the present invention provides a robust structure for the planar fence unit 104. It has been shown to be portable and drivable to the desired location for assembly and set up, easily assembled for play from the trailer by lifting the fence central section with a pulley and once on the ground, opening up the side wings and supporting the structure with support locking rods or bars. (see FIGS. 5, 6 and 7). FIG. 5 shows the backstop set up and secured on the ground. FIG. 6 illustrates the backstop on the trailer with the perspective of looking at the backstop from the front end of the trailer. FIG. 7 shows a truck attached to a trailer having the backstop fence unit. FIG. 8 is an enlarged showing of the spring with FIG. 9 showing the spring in use or attached to the pulley system for the backstop unit. The first locking support bar 118 and the second locking support bar for the second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c, respectively provide required strength and stability to the planar fence unit 104 on a practice ground. The planar fence unit 104 is sufficiently wide to cover major part of the practice ground. The winch 108 and pulley system 112 allow the movable shaft 106 to easily switch between the first (closed) and second (open) positions due to which the planar fence unit 104 is easily assembled. The planar fence unit 104 in the first position on the trailer 102 is easily transportable to other desired locations by attaching the trailer 102 to a truck or any other preferred moving vehicle. The netting of the planar fence unit 104 is strong and long lasting. The portable backstop fence unit 100 reduces the time for assembly compared to current portable backstops requiring set up of rods into the ground and netting placed thereon. The portable backstop fence unit 100 can be used for many applications, but is targeted herein for use by schools and colleges needing practice grounds for practicing baseball.

As alternatives, additional safety features can be added to the invention and include for example, a riser of at least about six inches that lifts the backstop up and away from the back brace. This helps to elevate the baseball from hitting the back brace. Additionally, a spring of about 18 inches can be added to backstop fence unit and is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The spring is useful to pull back the lifting arm when it is extended out.

EXAMPLE

An industry standard pitching machine was used to match the average speed of the different age group of pitchers.

Children of about 8 years old average throw a baseball at between 36-42 miles per hour (mph) per pitch. Three pitches at 42 mph were thrown at the backstop by the pitching machine and the backstop worked as intended. The backstop did not move from its location and remained secure.

Children of about 12 years old average throw a baseball at between 47-61 mph per pitch. Three pitches at 61 mph were thrown at the backstop by the pitching machine, and the backstop worked as intended. The backstop did not move from its location and remained secure.

Children of about 15 years old average throw a baseball at between 65-74 mph per pitch. Three pitches at 74 mph were thrown at the backstop by the pitching machine, and the backstop worked as intended. The backstop did not move from its location and remained secure.

Children of about 18 years old average throw a baseball at between 75-92 mph per pitch. Three pitches at 92 mph were thrown at the backstop by the pitching machine and the backstop worked as intended. The backstop did not move from its location and remained secure.

Accordingly, the invention can withstand baseball speeds of up to and greater than 95 miles per hour, with a range to withstand speeds of about 30-100 mph, preferably about 35-50 mph, more preferably about 45-75 mph, most preferably about 76-95 mph, and greater than 100 mph, with an assumed resistance to baseballs in motion having speeds of about 120-145 mph or greater.

The above comparative data regarding average speed thrown of a baseball by children was located at: www.efastball.com.

In a further example, the portable backstop fence unit 100 initially in the closed state and was transported to a desired location for deployment. A truck pulled a trailer having the backstop secured thereto to an open field. The planar fence unit 104 was positioned on the ground by moving the movable shaft 106 with the help of the winch 108 and pulley system 112. The second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c were moved outward with respect to the first planar fence section 116 a. The second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c were tilted with respect to the first planar fence section 116 a so that the planar fence unit 104 is placed on the ground in a rigid and stable manner. A locking support bar provided at the bottom edge of each of the second and third planar fence sections 116 b and 116 c were firmly inserted in to the ground, facilitating additional stability and security to the portable backstop fence unit 100. The locking support bars do not have to be inserted into the ground provided they are somehow structured so as to provide the needed balance for the fence unit. Suitable alternate structures include a widened heavy base, a rod with multiple arms facing the ground much like a tent structure to support the rod, and the like.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the planar fence unit 104 can be used or modified for other sports, such as for soccer, as a golf barrier for flying balls, as a barrier for athletes playing football, a batting cage, or any other sport wherein a net is employed. While for baseball, a desired net can withstand substantial force to protect players and spectators, for other sports, this robust netting may not be necessary and one can use the netting as desired for the application. In another embodiment, the fence unit and netting can be in the form of a banner, such as for advertisement purpose. The portability of the backstop stop fence unit 100 provides multiple options for individuals to participate in sports activities that need netting. Further, the relatively robust structure and broad spans of the portable backstop fence unit 100 provides stronger protective features than existing backstop units. Moreover, the welded steel framing and sports netting of the portable backstop fence unit 100 present a more fortified system.

The present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Although selected embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it may be understood that various substitutions and alterations are possible. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings may recognize additional various substitutions and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and as defined by the following claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable backstop fence unit for use with a trailer, the portable backstop fence unit comprising: a movable shaft pivotally attached to the floor of a trailer at a first end of the trailer; at least two planar fence sections, wherein a first planar fence section is attached to the movable shaft and is rotatable along with the movable shaft; a winch fixedly attached to the floor of the trailer at a second end of the trailer for lifting the movable shaft from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position with respect to the trailer; a pulley system attached at the first end of the trailer; and a cable with first and second ends, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the shaft through a pulley of the pulley system, wherein the second end of the cable is wound around the winch, and wherein the shaft is lifted upwards such that the first planar fence section moves from the substantially horizontal position to the substantially vertical position with respect to the trailer.
 2. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1, wherein the winch and the pulley system are at substantially same elevation from the floor of the trailer.
 3. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1, wherein the movable shaft is made of at least one of iron, aluminum, copper, steel, and wood.
 4. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1, further comprising second, third and fourth planar fence sections attached to the first planar fence section.
 5. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 4, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth planar fence sections include at least one of netting and chain link fencing.
 6. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1, wherein the winch is driven manually or automatically.
 7. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1, wherein the cable is made of at least one of polyester and a metal.
 8. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1 further comprising first and second locking support bars attached to one of the first and second planar fence sections for securing the portable backstop fence unit to the ground.
 9. A portable backstop fence unit for use in combination with a trailer, the portable backstop fence unit comprising a shaft, a fence section, support rods attached to the floor of a trailer to support the fence section, and means to lift the fence section from a horizontal to a vertical position, the fence having at least 3 sections comprising a main central section and a wing section at each end thereof, wherein each wing section rotates outward from the main central section; locking support bars to support the fence sections into the ground when the fence is in a horizontal or open position.
 10. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 9 for use in playing baseball, wherein the central fence section has an additional section which lifts upwards and is secured at an angle to stop baseballs flying in an upward direction.
 11. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1 having the ability to withstand at least 350 lbs of force (or 75 mph from a ball) from a baseball in motion.
 12. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 1 having the ability to withstand speeds from a baseball in motion of about 30-100 mph.
 13. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 9 having the ability to withstand at least 350 lbs of force (or 75 mph from a ball) from a baseball in motion.
 14. The portable backstop fence unit of claim 9 having the ability to withstand speeds from a baseball in motion of about 30-100 mph. 